When I took on the task of reviewing Endless Space 2, I couldn’t have been more unprepared. I can’t even remember the last time I had played a 4X game… it’s been that long. As the family has grown and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to stick to more simplistic games, like Rainbow Six Siege for instance. I turn it on, play a few rounds and turn it off. There’s no real deep investment in the gameplay. Endless Space 2, however, is a different breed entirely.

When Endless Space 2 loads and you see your ship sitting in a small part of a distant galaxy, all I could think of was the voice of Lenord Nimoy saying “Space, The Final Frontier.” Endless Space 2 initially released on early access, it only had four different factions to choose from. That has since grown to eight. A number of minor factions are also present in the game. There is no one definitive story. Instead, each faction has its own unique story which essentially runs parallel to each other.

The number of playable factions is now at eight

Now, I have a confession to make. I should not have reviewed this title. To date, this is the worst review I’ve ever had to get through. I actually thought about take a hiatus from The Nerd Stash, just to avoid this review. Now, some of you may be thinking, “Wow, is the game that bad?” Well no… it’s not. It’s actually a very good title. I just didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

I have been a gamer my whole life and immersing myself in a game was something I loved to do. Then in 2006, my first son was born. Since that time, my family has grown to seven including the squeeze and I. I began to focus more on multiplayer shooters and simple play games, ones that required little investment because I know how I can get. I’ll find myself getting sucked into a good story and gameplay and then that’s it… there goes all my time.

Where will you focus the efforts of your Empire?

What makes Endless Space 2 stand out for me is the depth of it. I mean politics even play an important role in the success of your empire. Are you a lover of all creatures or should those you view lower than you be subject to do your bidding? Will you pass laws for higher taxes or abolish them? What about religious principles? In Endless Space 2, you really can be any kind of ruler you want. Speaking of galaxies and space, be sure to check out our review for the new Guardians of the Galaxy.

The different races available to select from and how distinct they are from each other was something I really enjoyed exploring. In this case, a different race wasn’t just a different color with a few minor alterations to vehicle appearance. It’s completely different from military aspects to politics to research. No one civilization is the same. You can also alter the ships within your fleet which will change their attack and defense capabilities. The options to explore worlds and how unique each one is can sometimes be overwhelming. This is what really makes Endless Space 2 an immersive experience.

Endless Space 2 allows you to customize the ships in your fleet

Visually it’s nothing new or cutting edge but it’s sure still fun to look at. I feel like many 4X games skimp on the graphics and art but that’s not what Endless Space 2 does here. Exploring star systems, new worlds and new races feel like you could just be looking at futuristic tech we haven’t experienced yet.

If 4X games are right up your alley then Endless Space is for you. Otherwise, I recommend doing a little bit more research before going all in. It’s a very complex game and without a doubt needs your full attention. Endless Space 2 puts out its full release on May 19th. This review is based on the early access copy. Have you played Endless Space 2? If so, what did you think? Be sure to let us know in the comments below and also check out the most recent news on the Edge of Tomorrow sequel.

Gameplay: Turn-based 4K game

Graphics: Visually pleasing, fantastic artwork

Sound: Nothing worth noting

Presentation: This installment of Endless Space brings plenty of personality and variety.

Endless Space 2 Early Access Review

Endless Space 2 is a turn-based strategy, science fiction 4X game developed by Amplitude Studios. It is the sequel to the two-time Unity-award-winning Endless Space released in 2012

Overall Score

Great

Pros:

Plenty of variety

In depth

Visually pleasing

Cons:

Tech Tree was a bit overwhelming and confusing

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Former professional wrestler, father of entirely too many kids but a gamer forever. I live just south of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. I went to school for Game Development and have been following my passion for gaming in top gear recently. –Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever